World Cup diary - Kanu blasts Yakubu miss

24 June 2010 09:10

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Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu has criticised Aiyegbeni Yakubu after he missed an open goal in the Africans' 2-2 draw with South Korea, when scoring would have meant qualification for the next round of the tournament. He lamented, "As a striker that's the easiest one to score, so if you miss it then I don't know what you will do". Err. perhaps join you in the Championship, Nwankwo?

Ginola set to sue over Houllier jibes

It seems passing the blame for failure has been an issue for the French football team for many years now. Ex-shampoo and coffee advert impresario David Ginola has threatened to sue Gerard Houllier, after he once again blamed the former winger for his team's loss to Bulgaria in a 1993 qualifier. "In 2010, 17 years after, when I see the same person go on television and talk about this event where they treated me like a criminal for too long a cross, I'm sorry, I find this over the top," said Ginola. "It's enough. I'm so sick of it.I have decided to press charges." You go for it Daveed, we know you're wurf eet.

Silly Sulley learns to do his talking on the pitch

Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari seems to have redeemed himself after almost being be sent home from the Black Stars' camp at the weekend. The Inter Milan midfielder verbally abused coach Milovan Rajevac and his team-mates after being given just 13 minutes against Australia on Saturday. However, Muntari played double that amount of time last night after Rajevac reneged on his plans to end Muntari's tournament.

A much improved England performance saw them qualify for the second phase of the tournament after beating Group C rivals Slovenia 1-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth. Jermain Defoe grabbed the only goal on 22 minutes, following good work by James Milner on the right flank. England carved out further opportunities, with Samir Handanovic saving from Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, as Defoe himself put a good chance wide. England's domination of possession led to several Slovenian counter attacks, but the Three Lions remained solid defensively.

Americans march on after dramatic finale

The USA topped group C after a dramatic late goal handed them victory at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria. Despite dominating for long periods, the Americans struggled to find a breakthrough. Clint Dempsey had a goal disallowed for offside and Jozy Altidore missed a sitter in the first half. In the 90th minute, Dempsey's low drive was parried by the inspired Algerian goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi, before Landon Donovan smashed home. Algeria captain Antar Yahia was later sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the match.

Losers match spoils two parties

Serbia and Australia were both eliminated from the Wolrd Cup after the Socceroos' 2-1 victory at the Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit. The Serbs were profligate throughout, with Milos Krasic and Branislav Ivanovic failing to convert glorious first-half chances. Luke Wilshere's pinpoint cross allowed Tim Cahill to head the opener in the 69th minute. Four minutes later, Brett Holman thundered home from 30 yards after being left free to charge towards the Serbia goal. Marko Pantelic lessened the deficit on 86 minutes, after Mark Schwarzer spilled a Zoran Tosic drive. Pantelic wasted two more chances by straying offside in the remaining minutes.

A thunderbolt from Mesut Ozil ensured Germany will face England, as Ghana also emerged from Group D with a place in the tournament's next round. Veteran Cacau fed Ozil a peach of a chance in the first half, only for the playmaker to be denied by Richard Kingson. Philipp Lahm looked to have handled on the line later on, but the referee's whistle remained dry. Kojo Asamoah went clear after half-time, but his shot was saved by Manuel Neuer. Ozil broke the deadlock on 60 minutes, controlling Thomas Muller's pass on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a spectacular left-foot drive. Ghanaian nerves saw the match drift, before they, as the only African team left in the World Cup, were confirmed as the USA's next opponent.